Description

Bouldering is a type of rock climbing where the climber does not use ropes or harnesses. Common equipment associated with bouldering includes climbing shoes to help assure footing and chalk to improve grip. Unlike free climbing, however, bouldering is usually executed on paths that are less than 20 feet high.

Who Can Participate

Open to all

Some Activity Providers may have additional age or height restrictions. 

Safety Rules

Outdoor Bouldering

1. Specific issues that relate to the organisation of bouldering as an activity that should be considered include:
   • Areas with potentially hazardous landing zones (impact zones) should not be used.
   • The ground surface should be reasonably hazard- free to minimise injury resulting from a fall.
   • Where the above is not possible, as in most natural environments, specialist bouldering mats are strongly recommended.
   • Participants should be ‘spotted’ and appropriate spotting techniques should be demonstrated and practised before participation.
   • Bouldering should not be conducted where the lowest part of the body is more than 1.2m above the impact zone unless significant additional measures are undertaken to control a fall.
   • Constant supervision by a competent person should be provided, with participants always in visual contact.

Supervision Requirements

Refer to Girl Guides Australia Ratios at a Glance

Leader in Charge

• The LiC must ensure that all participants are informed of appropriate clothing and/or personal equipment prior to the activity.
• The LiC must organise and collect the ADM.27 from youth members and ADM.28 from adults. The LiC must inform the Activity Instructor of any health conditions or behaviour issues with participants.
• The LiC must have an appropriate first aid kit suitable for the activity present at the activity venue.
• The LiC must ensure participants have water and food appropriate to the activity.
• The LiC is responsible for all participants when they are not participating in the activity.

Activity Instructor

Many outdoor activity centres will use in-house instructor qualifications. If you are unsure if they are accepted or alternative qualifications are held, contact your State Outdoor Activities Manager to ensure the instructor’s qualification is suitable.

Instructors must hold:

Cert iv in challenge rope or equivalent

Questions to be asked when looking for an Activity Provider

• The Activity Leader/Instructor is to brief all participants on safety and the care of equipment prior to the activity.
• It is suggested that the Activity Leader / Instructor provide ground training prior to the commencement of the activity if relevant.
• Obtain permission from relevant authorities for access and use of land and water bodies. Examples are: National Parks, State forests and private landowners.
• The ratified Activity Leader/ Instructor must have knowledge of the locality, facilities, and terrain and weather conditions of the area that the activity will be taking place.
• Should there be inclement weather the LiC and ratified instructor will need to negotiate whether the activity should proceed or be postponed.
• Activity Leaders/ Instructors must have a first aid kit and appropriate rescue equipment readily accessible to all participants.

Notification Forms Required

ALL FORMS CAN BE FOUND HERE

For Approval – Prior to the Activity

• 01 Camp/ Adventure-based/ Event Notification Application
• 56B Risk Assessment and Plan (Outdoor Activities & Events & Camps)
• Activity Provider Risk Management Plan

At the Activity

• Participants are required to have completed: ADM.27 for Youth Members or ADM.28 for Adults
• Girl Guide Incident Report

After the Activity

• 03 Camp/Adventure-based/ Event Report Form